Confessions of a “Recovering” Shopaholic

News & Views · Trends · February 22, 2009

With all the hoopla surrounding the newly released film, Confessions of a Shopaholic, I thought it only fitting that I blog about the subject matter, especially given that 17.5 million Americans suffer from compulsive buying. Yes, myself included. While certainly not one of my better traits, I’m well on the road to recovery (as if I really had a choice in this economy?) and I thought I’d share some of the warning signs and preventative measures to help you or someone you know.

Just like alcohol and gambling for some, compulsive buying is an addiction and can be destructive to you and those around you… just ask my husband! “When it becomes repetitive and gets to the point where you’re actually craving it, that becomes a problem,” says Terrence Shulman, founder of The Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft & Spending.

Just so you’re aware, compulsive buying had its roots well before Sophie Kinsella’s chick lit novel became a best seller. In fact, the disorder was first identified by a German doctor in 1915 who referred to it as “oniomania” for the Greek term “onios,” which means “for sale.” Even the American Psychiatric Association is considering including compulsive buying in it’s updated manual of mental disorders.

With retailers’ aggressive discounting due to the disastrous economy, no wonder compulsive buying is even more prevalent than ever before. Everywhere I go it seems as if there’s a designer deal to be had. Even high-end department stores like Bergdorf Goodman are currently selling designer merch at discounts of up to 50% off.... something that was unheard of before. That, coupled with the recent trend of those time-sensitive luxury sample sale sites like BeyondTheRack.com and Gilt.com, serial shopping almost sounds justified.

Brave enough to ask yourself if you suffer from compulsive shopping behavior? Better ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a closet filled with unworn designer duds with the tags still attached, yet still feel you have nothing to wear?

• Does your monthly shoe allowance exceed your rent?

• Do you return almost everything you buy? Yes, this is still a symptom of a related disorder (a.k.a. shopping bulimia).

• When you’re feeling blue, do you seek comfort at one of the three B’s: Bloomies, Bergdorf’s or Barney’s?

• Do you hide purchases from your significant other and lie about what you spend (sorry dad, you might want to search Mom’s closet!).

• When you shop, do you feel a rush of euphoria mixed with feelings of anxiety?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, you likely have compulsive buying tendencies. For more information on symptoms and treatment, visit The Shulman Center For Compulsive Theft & Spending or shopaholicsanonymous.org

Do you suffer from compulsive shopping? Share your stories with the FashionJunkie community.

Lancôme Ôscillation: Good Vibrations

News & Views · Trends · December 17, 2008

As a bonafide beauty junkie, I’ve come across a lot of “eye-opening” gadgets in my time, but nothing even comes close to Lancôme Ôscillation - the world’s first battery-operated, vibrating mascara wand.

I know, you’re probably wondering: “why on earth does anyone need a $34 dollar gizmo like this added to their everyday beauty routine?” For starters, this revolutionary black mascara is made from an ultra-moisturizing formula that has incredible staying power. But the biggest benefit is the built-in miniaturized motor that oscillates 7000 times per minute, giving you controlled and evenly defined eyelash coverage that doesn’t clump! The vibrating wand extends, separates and voluminizes lashes in just three quick and easy steps:

Step 1: Simply unscrew the cap and press the little button to activate the vibrating wand. You’ll hear a buzzing nose that sounds like an electric toothbrush. Make sure to hold the button down during application for a continuous vibration.

Step 2: Wipe the wand with a piece of Kleenex to remove excess mascara. I always do this before application for a more natural look.

Step 3: Place the wand at the base of the lash line, hold it steady and slowly glide it upwards from root to tip. There’s no need to zig-zag or use fast little strokes – Lancôme Ôscillation does all the work! Count up to five seconds (for each application) to ensure the best results. Notice how your upper lashes are thicker and longer… without any clumps!

Keep in mind: one quick coat is all you need for gorgeous, longer-looking and natural lashes. For a more dramatic result, simply apply another 2-3 coats. Just make sure to wait at least 30 seconds for the mascara to dry. You can also add the mascara to your lower lashes to really make your eyes pop.

Try Lancôme Ôscillation and you’ll never have to fuss with an eyelash curler, falsies or bleaching agents again! Plus, it’s goof-proof, makes for a perfect stocking stuffer and is just plain fun!

Buy your tube of Lancôme Ôscillation at Sephora.com while supplies last.

Holiday Retail Round-Up: The Final Push

News & Views · Trends · December 15, 2008

To deal with the sharp decline in consumer spending, apparel retailers are devising clever ways to move sale merchandise during this pivotal holiday shopping season. Arguably, the most critical period for retailers, the 4th quarter can make or break a company’s profitability targets for the year.

Consumer spending this holiday season also sets the tone for merchandising strategies in fiscal ’09. Since it’s crucial for retailers to push overstock inventory right now, they’re pulling out all the stops. While some sales strategies are tried and true (e.g., gift cards, downloadable coupons, one-day-only sales, friends-and-family discounts and ramped-up rewards programs) this season offers some newfangled techniques to get consumers’ attention. Dara Fleischer of FashionJunkie.com investigates.

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FashionJunkie.com’s “Recessionista Fashion Tips” Featured on Yahoo Shine!

News & Views · Trends · December 8, 2008

Check out my Yahoo! Shine “Holly Days” blog post to learn How To Score A Holiday Wardrobe… Without Spending A Dime! Read the article after the Jump!

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Holiday Shopping… On A Shoestring Budget!

News & Views · Trends · November 20, 2008

Who knew that the tanking economy would actually be a boon to holiday shoppers? Well, sort of. Due to the sharp drop in consumer spending, big name department stores across the country have been forced to unload excess inventory. As a result, a bonanza of mind-blowing clothing and accessory bargains can now be found both in-store and online. As a case in point, off-price retailers like Loehmann’s, DSW and Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue’s designer outlet) are currently offering coveted designer merch for up to 75% off retail!

This is just but one of several ways to score a red-haute holiday wardrobe on a shoestring budget. From cracking online discount codes to comparison-shopping sleuthing and haggling to hosting a “swap shop,” here are some sure-fire insider tips for tweaking your look, without putting pressure on your purse. Read more after the Jump!

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